Ask any local about Downtown Las Vegas and you will hear disappointment in their voices as they describe a place that was once full of life and vibrancy. However, nobody expected it to become a summer event venue that brought tens of thousands of individuals flocking to where the old casinos and hotels previously thrived. And what draws music fans, art geeks, and foodies alike to flock to a seemingly forgotten part of town in 100-degree weather? That is none apart from the Life is Beautiful festival which was held on September 25-27.
For those who have not heard, Life is Beautiful is a distinctive festival that uses music, art and food to create a distinctive and unforgettable experience. Founded in 2012 by Rehan Choudhry, the event is spread over 15 city blocks with 4 stages, attractions, dining and art installations. With so much to do for three days straight, weekends are great for festival goers of all ages.
Musical acts include headliners Stevie Wonder, Imagine Dragons, and Kendrick Lamar. A mixture of well-known and up-and-coming artists is added to the weekend’s musical assortment: Hozier, SZA, Awolnation, Duran Duran, Griz, Chance the Rapper, New Politics, Weezer, Walk the Moon, Halsey and lots of others.
https://instagram.com/p/8JZ9Astxui/?taken-by=jazzyishere_ – Imagine Dragons video via Instagram
Lead singer Sam Harris of X Ambassadors
Rappers Opportunity https://twitter.com/jazzyyyy_b/status/649812210093416448
Singer Halsey kissed a fan in the middle of the show https://instagram.com/p/8UcVnlNxrv/?taken-by=jazzyishere_
Art and music combined- https://twitter.com/jazzyyyy_b/status/649804928060256256
Artists from all over the world join in on the fun as they show off their skills with building murals and unique sculptures. Some have even collaborated on creating an Art Motel that transforms each of the 15 rooms into interactive works of art.
https://instagram.com/p/8UjfTOtxmd/?taken-by=jazzyishere_ Mural by Alexandria Lee Illustration by Christopher Kachurak
Celebrity cooks such as Duff Goldman, Kim Canteenwalla, and Elizabeth Blau were on hand and at the top of their game, serving dishes to a hungry audience. There are also food trucks and vendors around every corner, giving out samples and attracting large crowds. Blue Ribbon Chicken, Funnel Cake Café and Cousin’s Maine Lobster proved to be some of the most popular places to eat.
https://instagram.com/p/8UbZ-mNxp-/?taken-by=jazzyishere_ – Eat from one of the numerous food outlets
The Learning Series offers the most diversified group of inspirational speakers this year. Among them are Bill Nye, Caitlin Crosby, Geena Rocera and Rosario Dawson. Speakers have the opportunity to share their experiences in their professions while also sharing what they think makes “life so beautiful.” Anyway, that is the problem.
And so ends the summer of 2015. Goodbye to hot weather and hello to fresh autumn. Despite the changing seasons, the murals that adorn the walls of the casino and the building are empty, in line with the memories created in Life is Beautiful 2015: Both will live on in our memories and last long after the music stops.
